The ankle-brachial index (ABI) result is used to predict the severity of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Peripheral arterial disease can also be known as atherosclerosis, poor circulation or hardening of the arteries. If you have PAD, it tends to progress over time at variable rates depending on different factors, such as the area affected and your personal health and family history. The signs and symptoms of PAD may not arise until later in life. For many, the outward indications will not appear until the artery has narrowed by 60 percent or more. A slight drop in your ABI with exercise means that you probably have PAD. This drop may be important, because PAD can be linked to a higher risk of heart attack or stroke.
What is this Test for?
The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a set of values used to determine if you have or are at risk for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). It is a comparison between the pressure of the blood in your arteries in your arms and the pressure in your lower legs, or ankles. The ABI is calculated by dividing the systolic blood pressure at the ankle by the systolic blood pressures in the arm.
How do I know if I’m at risk?
A normal resting ankle-brachial index is 0.9 to 1.3. This means that your blood pressure at your ankle is the same or greater than the pressure in your arm, which indicates that you do not have significant narrowing or blockage of blood flow. A resting ankle-brachial index of less than 0.9 is abnormal. If the ABI is 0.41 to 0.9, you likely have mild to moderate peripheral arterial disease. If the ABI is 0.4 or below then it is likely that you have severe peripheral arterial disease and are at significant risk for PAD.
You may be at risk for peripheral arterial disease and require an ankle-brachial index (ABI) if you have any of the following behavior and health patterns:
How often should I get this test?
Adults over 55 who possess any of the early warning signs for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) should get their ankle-brachial index (ABI) checked. Depending on the results of this valuable test, you should follow the guidelines below:
What should you expect?
Preparing for your screening is simple. We offer some helpful guidelines and our videos will help you understand what will happen so you can see that our screenings are pleasant experiences and something to look forward to. Our technicians are friendly and professional, and our screenings are painless - even our blood screenings, as they only require a quick finger prick. Some commonly asked questions are answered in the information below.
What should I wear?
What can I eat?
What equipment does HealthFair use?
CaridoVision Model MS-2000
The CardioVision Model MS-2000 measures blood pressure, records pulse, pulse pressure (systolic minus diastolic blood pressure), and provides additional cardiovascular information (Arterial Stiffness Index - ASI) to the physician or other health care provider. Blood pressure provides important clinical information on the blood circulation system since the actual blood pressure level is a function of cardiovascular dynamics that are determined by the strength of the heart beat and the overall condition of the arterial system. This information can be evaluated while measuring blood pressure.
The MS-2000 utilizes a Computerized Oscillometric method of blood pressure measurement as opposed to the traditional method of Auscultation (using a stethoscope). This method is a common, but comparatively recent method of indirectly measuring blood pressure using the relationship between the cuff pressure and the amplitude of the pulse waves caused when the brachial artery in the upper arm (which the pressurized cuff is wrapped around) expands each time the heart pumps.
Congratulations! You’re ready to schedule your HealthFair screening appointment and, most importantly, you are on the road to better health. Thank you for reviewing the above information. We look forward to screening you soon!